Chatting with the Hardest Working
Pop Star in Tampa Bay
Jeremy Gloff, Dru Cutler and Shae Krispinsky will perform at St. Pete’s Community Cafe, Saturday, April 14. And he wants to perform at this year’s Hot Dog Party, Tom.
By Stephanie Powers
April 13, 2018
If James Brown hadn’t already claimed the title, “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business”, the title should be bestowed on the Bay area’s Jeremy Gloff. He tours. He releases at least one, sometimes more, album a year. He makes videos with local film and media talent for songs from said albums. He supports his musician friends and idols by going to almost every show he can. He co-hosts a monthly album discussion club at the Disco Dolls studio in Seminole Heights. And so on. Gloff is currently in between albums and touring- his last one Lightrail was an emotional, dance party with the single “Nasty AF” still catching on.
Saturday, Gloff reunites with his pal Dru Cutler, visiting the area from New York, and one of his besties, in the musical world and out, Shae Krispinsky. Gloff will perform songs from his 1998 album Autumn, which he might want to think about re-releasing because the 90s are back, yo.
At your show Saturday, you will be performing songs from your 1998 album Autumn. Tell us about Jeremy in 1998.
In 1998, I was in transition from one stage of life to the next. From 95-98, I moved around a lot from my hometown (Fredonia, N.Y.) to Buffalo to Pittsburgh to Atlanta and back to Fredonia. In ’98, I was sleeping on the floor of my friend’s spare bedroom and rather suicidal. That winter there was a terrible ice storm that froze everything. This quaint northern town literally froze to death and that didn’t help my depression. I ended up moving to Tampa that fall and never leaving. Autumn was recorded during that last winter up north.
Are you the same as that Jeremy at all or is he completely gone? Both musically and emotionally.
I think we are all always all of the versions of ourselves, one way or another. Different ones just surface at different times. I do think we are always evolving but no matter what we always emerge from the same starting point. Recently I have returned to writing on the guitar and being more in touch with my own psychology. So I guess in some ways the indie/DIY Jeremy from 1998 is really coming back … just not depressed this time around.
What were 1998 Jeremy’s goals in life and as a musician?
I wanted to be famous and to fall in love.
What are 2018 Jeremy’s goals in life and as a musician?
I want to be infamous and to fall in love. And to stay alive another 43 years.
Tell us a little about your show partners Dru and Shae.
Dru used to live in Tampa and he was part of the band Lush Progress. He is now living in Brooklyn and very active up there. We trade shows and it’s my pleasure to share the stage with him again. Shae is one of my best friends and such a talented songwriter. She is often my “partner in crime” and my life is better for having her friendship and collaboration.
Any immediate future music plans you’d like to share?
Later this year I plan to start recording my 22nd album. I have ten songs written and I’m excited to keep finding new directions and new sounds. On my last album Lightrail I drew a lot of inspiration from some of my more poppy and campy favorites: Vanity 6, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Prince. My next album may be more along the lines of some of my favorite gritty Marianne Faithfull albums, pre-major label Sonic Youth, Hole, Emmylou Harris.
What do you want to say to Tom DeGeorge about wanting to perform at this year’s Hot Dog Party at the Crowbar?
I swear on my Stevie Nicks CD collection I’ll be on time! And I have a special “Hot Dog Medley” I’d love to bring to the stage with a special guest.
Where do you see yourself in twenty years from now?
If I’m lucky enough still creating, still chill, still content, still happy, and still surrounded by those I love.
See the show Sat. April 14; 9 p.m.; Community Cafe, 2444 Central Ave, St. Petersburg; free admission.
